Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 12869, Thomas Emerton, Mass. Privateer

SERVICE
NUMBER _____
Mass.
Emerton, Thomas
S. 12869
Privateer
carded
CONTENTS

3323
New Hampshire
Thomas Kimpton
Hebron in the State of N H who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain [blank] of the [blank] commanded by Col Little in the N H line for 121 Days
Mass. and Privateer.
Records corrected Dec. 19/05. J.
Inscribed on the Roll of N H at the rate of 46 Dollars 66 Cents per annum to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 18 th day of Dec 1832 and sent from H. Hubbardston N H Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $ 69.99 Semi-ann. allowance ending 4 March - 23.33
$93.32
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by J. H. Blair Clerk Book D - Vol. 127 Page 153.
141 212 4.

DECLARATION.
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
State of New-Hampshire, } ss. County of Grafton
On this thirteenth day of November 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Judges of the Court of Probate for said County , now sitting , Thomas Emerton a resident of Hebron in the County of Grafton and State of N. H. aged 89 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated
That he enlisted into the service of the United States, early in the Spring of A.D. 1775 at Chebaco, now called Essex in Mass. for the term of eight Months and served in the Company commanded by Abraham Dage in Col. Settles Regt. - soon after enlisting he marched to Cambridge, & was in the battle on Bunker Hill - says he discharged his gun fifteen or sixteen times, expending all the ammunition he had, retreated with the army across Charleston Neck - while in the battle he received a slight wound by a ball in the left ankle, which carried away the buckle of the right shoe - he remained with the army in Cambridge and its vicinity till late in the fall, when his time of enlistment expired and he then returned home -
That he next enlisted (he thinks) in the month of March 1776 into Capt. Daniel Giddens Company, commanded by Col. Joseph Foster for the term of eight Months, was stationed at Cape-Ann in Mass. and had the command of thirty men by the order of Col. Foster - they were stationed

I recommend to waive for the present the claim for that service described as com- -mencing the latter part of the sum- -mer of 1876 and ending 1 st of October 1877
As it seems to me to be not sufficiently definite - I issue a certificate for 14 mos. which is fully set forth in 8 mo in 1875 2 1/2 in
1876
H. Hubbard
Thos Benton

at Cape Ann for the purpose of procuring the Horses & Cattle from the Enemy, that he served six months - That he then enlisted some time the latter part of the summer of 1776 to go to Canada, soon after he marched under the command of Capt. James Prentiss, and arrived at Picendaroga some time early in the fall of the same year, was stationed at Mount Hope near Crown Point - while there was in a battle with the Indians a short distance from Mount Hope - The Indians had taken shelter in and about a Barn, which was taken by the Americans, and the Indians totally dispersed - That he was discharged from the service from the army the fore part of the winter, he thinks in the Month of January, and did not go to Can- ada, after being discharged, he remained in Camp for some time sick but finally returned home some time during the winter -
That he enlisted in the Spring of 1777 for the sea service and went aboard the General Mepher a Privateer Commanded by James Babson who belonged to Cape Ann - That he sailed early in the Spring of 1777 went to the Grand Banks where they captured five English Schooners or Brigs - from the Grand Banks went to the Bay of Biska, from there to France, then to Bilboa in Spain, after touching at several other places he arrived home after being absent about one year - That he was born in Chebaco, now called Essex, Mass. in the year 1743 - That he has a record of his age in writing from the Church books of Rev. Mr. Cleveland in said Chebaco - That he lived in said Chebaco when called into service there for a few years after the war.

since then has resided in Hebron Vt., - once he entered the service by voluntary enlistment, can not name any more of the officers or circumstances then is above related - That he received a written discharge from Capt. Sage for his first eight months service, after wards received one from Col. Foster, and the third from Capt. Prentiss, which discharges with
other papers were delivered to one Edward Evans of this County whom then Judge of Probate, for the purpose of procuring him a pension soon after said Evans was removed from office by the Legislature of N.H. for misconduct, immediately after his removal said Evans absconded and went to parts unknown, carrying away all his papers. He has no documentary evidence except a Sign Roll of Capt. Dodge's Company herewith forwarded, and that he knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his services - He refers to the Rev d Edmund Worth of Hebron and Evan Benttlett to whom He is known in his neighbourhood and who can testify as to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the Revolution - That in the whole he has served the full term of two years & six months
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State,
Thomas Emerson
Sworn to and subscribed, the day 3
Before me Edward Webber for a year aforesaid Judge of Probate
We, Edmund Worth residing in Hebron and Evan Benttlett residing in Hebron hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Thomas Emerson, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be about 89 years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Edmund Worth
Sworn and subscribed the day 3
Before Edward Webber for a year aforesaid Judge of Probate
Evan Bartlett
And the said Court do hereby declare the opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court certifies, that it appears to them that Edmund Worth who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Clergyman resident in the town of Hebron and that Evan Bartlett, who has also signed the same is a resident in the said Hebron and are credible persons, and that their statement is entitled to credit. and that the applicant cannot from bodily infirmity attend the Court
Clerk of the
and said Judge does
hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Thomas Emerson for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this Thirteenth day of November A.D. 183
Edward Webber Judge of Probate

State of New Hampshire Secretary's Office November 13. 1832
The within named Edward Webber is Judge of Probate for our county of Grafton, duly constituted and sworn, and his signature as such genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set the Seal of State.
Ralph Metcalf Secretary.
Mrs. Emerson
Mr. Stickney
to J. Cook

Thomas Emerton Webb W.M.
5 th object Dec 8 1832
Private -1/4 Mths adm d
$ 26.66.
Hon. N. Hubbard House of Reps
D 14.

BRIEF in the case of Thomas Emerton of Nelson in the State of N.H.
(Act 7 June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge?  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he?  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Spring of In 1775 " 8 " Private Capt. Dodge Col. Little   March - 76 " 0 " { He had the command of thirty men } Capt. Giddens Col. Foster   Last of June 76 about 3 " Private Capt. Prentiss,   Spring - 77 about 12 " Seaman Capt. Babson private Genl. Messer  
5. In what battles was he engaged?
Breed Hill
6. Where did he reside when he entered the service?
Chubaco now Essex Mass
7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls?
Documentary proof & tradition - lion an order etc
8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect?
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
D. H. Morrison Examining Clerk.

[Handwritten signature]
December 29, 1926
Mrs. Karl J. Brummer Eleven Brummer Place Lisbon, New Hampshire
Madam:
I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim S. 12869 it appears that Thomas Emerton was born in 1743 in Chebaco (later called Essex), Massachusetts.
While a resident of said place he enlisted early in the spring of 1775, served eight months as a private in Captain Abraham Dodge's Company, Colonel Moses Little's Massachusetts Regiment and was at the battle of Breed's Hill where he received a slight wound of the left ankle by a ball which carried away the buckle of his right shoe.
He enlisted in March 1776 served six months in Captain Daniel Gidding's Company, Colonel Joseph Foster's Massachusetts Regiment, then re-enlisted and served until January 1777 in Captain James Prentiss' Massachusetts Company and was in a battle with Indians near Mount Hope.
In the spring of 1777 he entered on board the Privateer
She was at - Camp - as soon as the war started. I did not know what she was, so he did not know what she was, so he did not

"General Mercer", Captain James Babson, served one year as seaman, during which time they captured five English schooners at Grand Banks.
He was allowed pension on his application executed November 13, 1832 while a resident of Hebron, Grafton County, New Hampshire.
There is no data on file as to his family.
Respectfully,
WINFIELD SCOTT Commissioner.

Thomas Emerton Mass. S. 12869.
A roll of Capt. Abraham Dodge's co., Col. Little's regt. dated July 28, 1775.
Was sent to War Dept. Jan 16, 1913

A circular ink stamp from the U.S. Pension Office. The words "U. S. PENSION" are arched across the top, and "OFFICE" is arched across the bottom. In the center, the date "OCT 26 1876" is stamped in a straight line.

MRS. KARL J. BRÜMMER ELEVEN BRÜMMER PLACE LISBON, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Oct. 27. 1926.
Mr. E. W. Morgan Acting Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir, -
I am making an application for membership in D. A. R. on service of Thomas Emmerton. He was born in Essex, Mass. (now called Chebacco) in 1744. His wife was Lydia Burnham. He was a pensioner and after the Revolutionary War lived in Groton, Mass. N.H. Our N.H. State Papers, Vol. XIX, say that he was a Mass. soldier. Will you please send me whatever record you have in your office of his service as a soldier. We do not have the Massachusetts war records in our library. Appreciating this information. I am Very truly yours (Mrs. Karl J.) Mary Carlisle Brümmmer

1926 - Dec 29 - Hist. to Mrs. Karl J. Brümmet MMNF
Rev. Karl
12.869 ✓ INVALID.
File No. 12.869
Thomas Emerton
Priv. Rev. War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index: — Vol. _____, Page _____
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I Evan Bartlett, of Hebron, in the County of Grafton, and State of New-Hampshire, aged seventy two years, on oath do testify and say, that sometime in July 1832 I went to Newbury in Mass. for the purpose of obtaining evidence of Revolutionary services of individuals residing in this town, while there I was shown a chest of old papers, said to belong, formerly, to Col. Moses Little who was an officer in the revolutionary war, and now in the care of the Son of said Col. Moses Little, from which chest I selected the annexed size Roll of Capt. Abraham Dagg's Company in Col. Spittles Regt. - said Roll contains the name of Thomas Emerton, and I have no doubt that Thomas Emerton who has signed the declaration to which this affidavit is annexed, is the same person named in said size Roll —
And I further say that I have been acquainted with said Thomas Emerton between thirty & forty years and have always understood him to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and have not the least doubt that he declares the truth in his declaration. —
Hebron Nov: 19 th A.D. 1832.
Evan Bartlett
state of New-Hampshire.
Grafton ss. Town of Hebron Nov: 19 th 1832. Then Evan Bartlett above named, who is personally well known to me, personally came and made oath in due form of Law, to the truth of the above written disposition by him subscribed in my presence. I do certify that said Evan Bartlett is believed by me to be a creditable Witness. —
Robert Burns,
Justice of the Peace.

State of New Hampshire. Secretary's Office November 19. 1832
The within named Robert Burns is a Justice of the Peace for our County of Grafton, duly constituted and sworn, and his signature as such genuine.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set the hand of State.
Ralph Metcalf Secretary.

Thomas Emerson
properly attached to the certificate.
Pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper being inserted. The certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must be written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit or other paper authenticated. The
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the paper is not
ORDER XVII. Mode of authenticating papers.
of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer under his seal of office.
For the oath must certify to the credibility of the witness, and the official character and signature as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may authenticate the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, or
must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he
ORDER XVIII. Proof of service.
indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is not
and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of
Wm H Nabbard H of Reps

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of
Thomas Emerton further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? Yes
II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? Yes
III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so?
IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? Yes
V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? length of service in the sum of 1770 not as unely stated
VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? Yes
VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? Yes
VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? Yes
IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? Yes
X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? yes
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had?
XIV. † If the applicant has produced a witness or witnesses as to his service, has the magistrate who administered the oath certified that he, she, or they are persons of credibility? yes
Has the official character and signature of the magistrate been certified by the proper officer under his seal of office? yes
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? yes
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
“Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades: For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension.”

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which the applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable.
† QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
‡ QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticated the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the end of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
His service on board of the Privateer Gads, Messrs is not provided for